We planted no less than five different herb plants, which was a
great experience for my toddler who loves to dig.
The hard thing about being an opinion columnist is that if you write something negative, you’re viewed as a complaining jerk who should single-handedly save the world instead of writing about it (people, this column runs biweekly – if I had to directly address each problem I dared venture an opinion on, I’d be an exhausted wreck)… and if you write something positive, people think you’re mild, ineffective and naïve.
Well, for this particular column I don’t mind being a Pollyanna.
I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the festivities for the grand opening of the community garden. Officially termed the Gilroy Arts Alliance Demonstration Garden, the stretch of landscaped raised beds takes the place of the arts facility originally planned for the space.
On opening day, my family got the opportunity to actively participate in the garden’s growth. We planted no less than five different herb plants, which was a great experience for my toddler who loves to dig.
At one booth, we were able to spin the wheel, much like the big wheel on The Price is Right, answer a vegetable-related question and win a giant broccoli squeeze toy. On the other side of the same booth, we created a newspaper planter by rolling newsprint around a V-8 can and filling it with potting soil. Into this environmentally friendly pot, we placed a corn seedling. It’s now two weeks later, and our corn is thriving. I predict government subsidies for our back yard crop in another few months.
We got seed packets and a low-flow hose nozzle, and played a game where you put your hand in a curtained box and guess which piece of produce you are touching. All this, and we didn’t even get to all the booths.
Since it was a brutally hot day, we wandered over to the Round Table Pizza area where they generously offered free water and ice cream.
I talked briefly with volunteer Konni Thomas, who owns First Street Coffee, while she was supervising the plantings. As a participant in the Leadership Gilroy program, she helped organize the garden. Leadership Gilroy sounds fantastic and I’ll devote a column to it later – a nine-month program about city history, designed to groom participants for leadership roles, including City Council.
Rumors floated around the garden that day about classes offered for kids. I just now checked the website and there’s already been an art class and a story hour – sheesh, the place just opened! There’s lots of energy around this positive green space.
Months ago, when landscape architect Judy Hess presented her plan to the Gilroy Downtown Appreciation Group, I had no idea it could become a reality so quickly. Kudos to her and her team. There was talk of far more at the time, and maybe that will evidence itself later: a breezeway from Monterey to the garden with art shops along the way, an amphitheater for shows, a tall hedge as a backdrop for outdoor movies to be shown upon, a Farmer’s Market.
There’s so much already though to take advantage of: today at 10 a.m. there’s a “Good Morning Garden” Story Hour for ages 3-5, and this Sunday at 1:30 a class for adults on composting. On Monday a kids’ arts and crafts class will take place at 10 a.m. For more details, visit the garden’s website at www.gilroydemonstrationgarden.blogspot.com.
There are even upcoming summer camps for kids aged 5-10 with such appealing titles as “Chefs in the Garden,” “Garden Gurus” and “Garden Detectives.” There are some scholarships available so the camps may be free for families in need. Again, visit the website or call 607-4237.
Leadership Gilroy, you pulled this one off and created something amazing for our city. At a time when the economy is tight and people are cutting corners, you found a way to make the garden happen.
Previously an eyesore of a lot, the space at Sixth and Eigleberry is now a pleasant community gathering space where adults and kids can learn about healthy food choices. I personally can’t wait to return and be part of activities at the site.
The Gilroy Arts Alliance Demonstration Garden is now open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and for classes and events during the week.
Erika Mailman lives in Gilroy and is the author of two historical novels: Woman of Ill Fame and The Witch’s Trinity. www.erikamailman.com.
